Spacer's Protocol
September 2023
Role: Game and Narrative Designer
Platform: Tabletop board game.
Team Size: 4
Duration: 3 weeks
Access: Find everything you need to play here.
A response to USC Games' Designing for Interactive Media Meaningful play assignment, Spacers Protocol is a legacy tabletop mission-based role-playing game that immerses players in colonizing a fictional sci-fi planet.
With the intent to show the insidious nature of colonization, I designed information and rules to be distilled to players at specific gameplay beats, gradually revealing the ethical dilemmas and consequences of their actions as they advance through the narrative.
Experience Overview
Spacer’s Protocol is a cooperative sci-fi tactical tabletop adventure game with an evolving narrative. Players assume the roles of ambassadors for the Cortez Corporation, embarking on a journey to the illustrious planet of Karkoa. Their goal is to forge meaningful connections with the natives through various actions.
In each turn, a player rolls a die for movement and plays an action card from their hand. As the game progresses, more options become available, and unexpected twists come in the form of unique protocol objectives.
Through teamwork, strategy, and adaptability, the group may even discover Karkoanite, a mystic element with the potential to cure diseases, provide sustainable food, and enhance the lives of everyone in the known universe.
Spacers Protocol Trailer.mp4
Roles and responsibilities
Game Design:
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Collaborated with other designers to conceive fundamental mechanics for movement, action card usage, and die rolling.
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Ensure that the game remains balanced and fair, with a suitable level of difficulty progression.
Narrative Design:
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Create a rich, evolving narrative that unfolds as players progress through the game.
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Develop mission objectives and twists to maintain player engagement and drive the storyline forward.
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Create lore and history for Karkoa and Cortez Corporation that reflects a satire of colonization.
